Mr. Vaneasked the President of the Board of Trade how industrial plant dismantled in Germany and allocated to various firms in this country is valued; on what basis is the allocation made; and to whom is payment made.
§ Mr. H. WilsonIndustrial plant acquired from Germany as reparations14W is sold only through Government disposal channels at prices roughly equivalent to those ruling in the United Kingdom for corresponding equipment in the same secondhand condition. Where possible the price is determined by competitive tender, but where there is only one applicant or the national interest demands that the plant should be allocated to a particular firm, it is sold either by means of independent valuation accepted by both sides, or if this is not possible, at the best price obtainable by negotiation. Steel works plant, when it cannot be disposed of by competitive tender, will be dealt with by a special valuation panel of experts about to be set up, on which the industry will be represented. Payment is made to the Ministry of Supply, who arrange the disposal contract.